Disease fatal to bats found in Marion County cave

Associated Press

January 29, 2014 - 2:25 PM

YELLVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission says a disease known to kill bats has been confirmed in a cave in Marion County.

The commission says five dead bats were found during a Jan. 11 survey of the cave managed by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. Two bats were collected and submitted to the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center for testing.

The northern long-eared bats tested positive for white-nose syndrome, which is fatal to several bat species. The syndrome is not known to pose a threat to humans, pets or livestock.

Last summer a low level of the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome was detected in two north Arkansas caves at Devil's Den State Park and in Baxter County.